Iowa 2025-2026 Regular Session

Iowa Senate Bill SF476

Introduced
3/3/25  

Caption

A bill for an act relating to the personal needs allowance under the medical assistance program.(Formerly SF 255.)

Notes

The bill also includes provisions for the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services to review the personal needs allowance periodically, ensuring that the financial support remains relevant and effective. A report to the general assembly detailing the number of recipients and the funds disbursed under this section is mandated, alongside recommendations, which reflects an acknowledgment of the ongoing need for oversight and adjustment based on actual recipient conditions.

Impact

The bill mandates that starting July 1, 2026, the personal needs allowance will be adjusted annually in accordance with the Consumer Price Index for all urban consumers in the Midwest region. This provision ensures that the allowance keeps pace with inflation, which will be essential for maintaining the purchasing power of residents who rely on these funds for personal expenses. The proposed limit for the allowance is set to not exceed $100 per month, reflecting a balance between necessary support and fiscal responsibility.

Summary

Senate File 476 (SF476) is a legislative proposal that seeks to adjust the personal needs allowance provided under the medical assistance program in Iowa. Specifically, the bill increases the monthly allowance for individuals living in nursing facilities, intermediate care facilities, and psychiatric medical institutions from $50 to $65. This change aims to provide residents of these facilities with a greater ability to cover personal expenses that are not included in the medical assistance program, thereby potentially improving their quality of life.

Contention

Discussion surrounding SF476 hinges on the adequacy of the proposed increase and the importance of regular adjustments to the allowance. Supporters of the bill may argue that the increased allowance is critical for the financial welfare of low-income individuals residing in institutional care, as it directly impacts their ability to maintain dignity and agency over personal expenses. Critics, if any, might question whether the allowance increase sufficiently addresses the growing costs associated with living expenses or may voice concerns about the implications for the state budget, emphasizing a need for careful financial planning.

Companion Bills

IA SF255

Similar To A bill for an act relating to the personal needs allowance under the medical assistance program.(See SF 476.)

Previously Filed As

IA SF2303

A bill for an act relating to the personal needs allowance for residents of certain facilities under the Medicaid program, and providing an appropriation.

IA HF403

A bill for an act relating to the work without worry program for employed individuals with disabilities under the Medicaid program.(Formerly HSB 198; See HF 2589.)

IA HF2698

A bill for an act relating to and making appropriations for veterans and health and human services, including other related provisions and appropriations including but not limited to the personal needs allowance for certain persons under Medicaid and the state supplementary assistance programs, replacement generation tax revenues, the Medicaid fraud and health care trust funds, the retention of certain revenues by the mental health institutes, the retention of Medicaid eligibility by residents of mental health institutes, the scope of services of the state resource centers, the appropriation of moneys in the juvenile detention home fund, the family investment program account and diversion program, the child support collection services center refund account, the quality assurance assessment payment period, the centers of excellence grant program, an assisted living program revised payment model study, funding for county commissions of veteran affairs, foster care provisions including those relating to a relative or fictive kin, health care employment agencies and health care technology platforms, medical cannabidiol practitioner requirements, nursing facility oversight, and state-funded psychiatry residency and fellowship positions, providing penalties, and including effective date and retroactive applicability provisions. Effective date: 05/09/2024, 07/01/2024. Applicability date: 07/01/2022, 07/01/2023.

IA HF2589

A bill for an act relating to Medicaid-related programs and services including the work without worry program for employed individuals with disabilities and complex rehabilitation technology.(Formerly HF 403, HSB 198.)

IA SF2045

A bill for an act relating to the work without worry program for employed individuals with disabilities under the Medicaid program.

IA SF494

A bill for an act relating to public assistance program oversight. (Formerly SSB 1105.) Effective date: 07/01/2023.

IA HF2395

A bill for an act creating the compassion and care for medically challenging pregnancies Act.(Formerly HF 2155.)

IA HF2583

A bill for an act relating to eligibility for pregnant women and infants under the Medicaid program, and including effective date provisions.(Formerly HSB 643.)

IA SF2356

A bill for an act relating to solar energy by establishing a community solar facility program.(Formerly SSB 3180.)

IA HF613

A bill for an act relating to public assistance program integrity, making appropriations, and including effective date provisions.(Formerly HF 3.)

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.